Petrus To Rot Becomes The First Santo Of Papua New Guinea

JAKARTA - Petrus To Rot or Peter To Rot became the first Santo from Papua New Guinea, along with Pope Leo XIV's canonization on Sunday.

The canonization at the Mass in St. Peter's Square, Vatican led by Pope Leo XIV coincided with six other Santos, namely Saint Ignatius Maloyan, Saint Jose Gregorio Hernandez, Saint Carmen Rendiles, Saint Maria Troncatti, Saint Vicenza Maria Poloni and Saint Bartolo Longo, quoted from Vatican News October 21.

"The story of Petrus To Rot is not just the story of my family. It belongs to all of Papua New Guinea. He was steadfast in faith when our people were under tremendous pressure. His testimony, simple but deep, he refused to leave God, his family, or his community and continued to inspire us," explained Archbishop Rabaul Rochus Tatamai.

"Canonization events will be far more than just a celebration of the Church," said Archbishop Tatami.

"This will be a blessing to the whole country, reminding us that society itself depends on the strength of the family, this is a gift for our country as a national revolutionary who calls us to what starts in the family and extends to the whole community," he explained.

"He is known for his humility, service to the poor, service in prayer, and respect for his followers. He challenges all of us to live life in service and generosity, the story of To Rot offers practical guidance," he explained.

Petrus To Rot was born in 1912 in Ragunai Village and was baptized in the Catholic church from an early age.

He served as a preacher in his village and was trusted to lead the local parish during World War II when Japan occupied the area.

He defended religious values in the face of Japanese oppression and continued to hold services in secret.

Around 1943, church destruction prompted him to build a "brake church" outside the village to hold secret services. He kept records ofMOries and weddings there. To Rot and others continued their work until he was imprisoned.

Petrus To Rot was killed in prison in 1945 for fighting for a monogamous marriage during polygamy, quoted from The Guardian.

Peter To Rot's father was the head of the community, one of the first people to be baptized in his village. He donated land for the construction of churches, schools and mission houses.

"At the Tomb of St. Petrus To Rot, his body is buried, well maintained in a wooden coffin. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful, and there are children who visit the holy place from the nearest school during rest hours to always pray," according to SOCOM Social Communication Secretary of the Papua New Guinea Catholic Bishops Conference and Solomon Islands. Daisy Lisania, MSC.

Pope John Paul II beat Petrus To Rot on January 17, 1995, while his canonization was approved by Pope Francis on March 31, 2025, before Canonization on October 19, 2025.

Meanwhile, Father Tomas Ravaioli, IVE, vice-postulator of the Canonization Process, said there was only one photo of Petrus To Rot and not much known.

"For canonization, we want a new portrait. I'm assigning Spanish artist RaZel Berzosa," he said.

In this painting, Petrus To Rot holds the Bible in his right hand, a wedding ring in his left hand and around his neck, has a catechic cross. The three symbols mark the official portrait of Petrus To Rot, the new one. This image was hung on St. Peter's Basilica fasad on the day of Canonization.

"This is a historic moment of pride, faith and inspiration for Papua New Guinea and our people," said Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape.

More than 90 percent of Papua New Guinea's 12 million population are Christians, but are side by side with a large number of beliefs, customs, and local rituals. Meanwhile, about a quarter of Papua New Guinea's population is Catholic.